Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1179842
26 WAC Magazine | wac.net e holidays are on the horizon, and most of us are looking forward to family time and seasonal festivities. But along with the joy of the season can come some unwelcome stress. Jam- packed schedules and heavy holiday foods tend to result in a health derailment. is year, instead of putting your wellness on the back burner until January 1, use the following tips to keep your healthy momentum going through the holidays. Consistency Consistency is key when it comes to exercise. You don't have to fit in a 6 am workout, but you can make an effort to be active every day. Increase your heart rate for 20 minutes per day by walking where you need to go. Explore your neighborhood or take your meetings to the streets. Your efforts will pay off in burned calories, fresh air, and a new perspective. Balance your choices Enjoy the season's luxuries in moderation and stay consistent with your nutrition and exercise. Balance treats and drinks with nutrient-dense foods. Remember, you don't have to eat everything that's at the table. Savor what you love. Filling your plate with whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, and plenty of produce will provide nutrients and prevent hunger pains that can lead to late-night nibbling. Another tip: Eat fruits and veggies early in the day. It will help you stay energized and improve your food choices later. Planning Planning and preparation are critical! Meal prep is a great way to exert a little more control over what you eat during busy days. Pre-cut produce, steam-able grains, and healthy frozen meals are your friends. Plan your workouts, too, whether it's a morning run, walking your dog, or taking a group fitness class. When you make a plan, it's much easier to hold yourself accountable. Staying healthy during the holiday season will help you feel great and make your New Year's resolutions that much easier to keep. Healthy for the holidays Tip the scales in your favor with these pro tips living fit holiday health tips / exercise of the month D A R R I C K M E N E K E N MEET ALYSSE Alysse Anderegg is the new WAC Dietitian & Wellness Coach. Her office is located in the 4th Floor Wellness Center. A Midwest native, Alysse entered the field of nutrition 10 years ago as an undergraduate student of biology at Wartburg College in Iowa. She later received a master's degree in dietetics and exercise science from Iowa State University. Alysse is dedicated to helping cli- ents learn to love food again, overcome health barriers, and find solutions for food intolerances. "The diet indus- try has made us unnecessarily scared to eat so many things," she says. "You can eat what you love within reason and still be healthful. I'm here to help you do just that through portion control, individualized direction, and personalized recommendations." By Alysse Anderegg, WAC Dietitian & Wellness Coach wac.net/meet-alysse —WAC Dietitian & Wellness Coach Alysse Anderegg offers complete nutrition services through the Wellness Center on the 4th Floor. Reach her at aanderegg@wac.net. She also leads the Wellness 360 program. Learn more about how Wellness 360 can help reshape your lifestyle at wac.net/wellness-360.